"This NICU represents a leap forward in neonatal care for the hospital and the city. We are optimistic that this will be a game-changer for newborns requiring intensive care," Dr. Palve added.
Government-run Cama Hospital in South Mumbai is set to start a modular Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) later this month. The advanced facility, designed to cater to critically ill newborns, will have 21 beds and aims to provide infection-free treatment, bringing relief to both medical professionals and families.
Dr. Tushar Palve, Superintendent of Cama Hospital, highlighted the need for this facility and said, “We have been striving to establish a state-of-the-art NICU for over two decades. This new modular setup will not only address the shortage of beds but also improve the overall quality of neonatal care by minimising infection risks.”
The hospital, known for its expertise in gynaecology and obstetrics, frequently manages high-risk deliveries, including premature births. Dr. Palve explained, “Premature babies often weigh as little as 500 to 700 grams and require intensive care for at least one to two months until they gain sufficient weight, around 1.5 to 2 kilograms. This new NICU will ensure that such critical cases are managed more effectively.”
Mumbai hospitals have been grappling with a severe shortage of NICU facilities. Families often have to travel from one hospital to another in search of available NICU beds, with government and BMC hospitals regularly facing capacity issues. “The demand for NICU beds far outweighs the supply, putting immense pressure on families and healthcare providers. In many cases, timely treatment becomes a severe shortage of NICU facilities. Families often have to travel from one hospital to another in search of available NICU beds, with government and BMC hospitals regularly facing capacity issues. “The demand for NICU beds far outweighs the supply, putting immense pressure on families and healthcare providers. In many cases, timely treatment becomes a challenge due to the unavailability of beds,” said a paediatrician associated with the hospital.
The old NICU at Cama Hospital had only seven beds, which often led to stressful situations for both doctors and parents. “With limited resources, we were under immense pressure to balance emergency cases and regular treatments. The new NICU will significantly ease this burden,” added a senior doctor at Cama.
The construction of the modular NICU began six months ago and cost Rs 2.4 crore. Hospital authorities are confident that the upgraded facility will not only accommodate more patients but also enhance infection control measures.
“This NICU represents a leap forward in neonatal care for the hospital and the city. We are optimistic that this will be a game-changer for newborns requiring intensive care,” Dr. Palve added.